“Patriotism is your conviction that this country is superior to all other countries because you were born in it.”

For many, the concept is absolutely true. For me, I've been to other countries, studied politics and history.

The same is true for most religious beliefs and sports teams as well.

This implies that patriotism is nothing more than a shallow loyalty based on accidental birthplace. Patriotism is, and ought to be, a devotion based on ideologies held by a common people. These can only be known by deliberate contemplation, and have little to do with where one was born.

Patriotism is a devotion that starts with your own yard. An allegiance to your family unit and the protection thereof. Then it expands to your town, county, state and finally your nation.
It is ingrained as amatter of unification to protect and preserve a people and their way of life. In our case, to protect our free and liberated society from despots.